POLITICAL NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XX, Issue 6816, 21 September 1883, Page 5

POLITICAL NEWS.

The Hon. Mr Whitaker is expected to return to Auckland in about a fortnight, with his family. By that time, the arrears of or. dinary departmental business which have accrued during .the session will have been disposed of, and the necessary arrangements made consequent upon recent legislation.

Our Wellington correspondent stated a few days ago, that the Hon. W. W. Johnston was about to leave for England in March. We understand that it is intended that he shall take the office of Agent-General for two yfars, Sir F. Dillon 801 l returning to the colony. When Sir F. D. Bell is relieved, the three years for which he was appointed will haTe about expired. There is no question but that he has done the work ably and well, iu a manner creditable to himself and to th-» colony. It is acknowledged that the financial arrangements necessary in connection with the last loan were well conceived and ably carried out, while the fact that Sir F. D. Bell was deputed by the Agents-General who acted with him on the annexation question to draw up the joint memorandum to the Secretary of shows that his capacity is recognised for dealing with the largest questions of statesmanship. Mr. Johnston has done solid work as a Minister, and his experience as a merchant will be useful to him in the office of Agent-General.